Who [is] this that cometh (a) from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this [that is] glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? (b) I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

(a) This prophecy is against the Idumeans and enemies who persecuted the Church, on whom God will take vengeance, and is here set forth all bloody after he has destroyed them in Bozrah, the chief city of the Idumeans: for these were their greatest enemies,and under the title of circumcision and the kindred of Abraham.

(b) God answers them that asked this question, "Who is this?" etc. and says "You see now performed in deed the vengeance which my prophets threatened."

And I looked, and [there was] none to help; and I wondered that [there was] none to uphold: therefore my own (e) arm brought salvation to me; and my fury, it upheld me.

(e) God shows that he has no need of man's help for the deliverance of his, and though men refuse to do their duty through negligence and ingratitude, yet he himself will deliver his Church, and punish the enemies, (Isa 59:16).

I will (g) mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, [and] the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.

(g) The prophet speaks this to move the people to remember God's benefits in times past, that they may be confirmed in their troubles.

Then he (l) remembered the days of old, Moses, [and] his people, [saying], Where [is] he that brought them out of the sea with the (m) shepherd of his flock? where [is] he that put his Holy Spirit within (n) him?

(l) That is, the people of Israel being afflicted, called to mind God's benefits, which he had bestowed on their fathers in times past.

(m) Meaning, Moses.

(n) That is, in Moses that he might well govern the people: some refer this giving of the spirit to the people.

(p) Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where [is] thy (q) zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they (r) restrained?

(p) Having declared God's benefits showed to their forefathers, he turned himself to God by prayer, desiring him to continue the same graces toward them.

The people of thy holiness have possessed [it] but a little (x) while: our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary.

(x) That is, in respect to the promise, which is perpetual: even though they had now possessed the land of Canaan for 1400 years: and thus they lament, to move God rather to remember his covenant, than to punish their sins.